FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- Shoppers living in Jefferson County, Iowa who bounce their first check, might go to class.  Attorney Timothy Dille tells fact finder that first-time check-bouncers may attend a class to avoid prosecution.  With the holidays approaching, many checks are used and many bounce.  Dille says he’d rather avoid criminal prosecution.

“I would rather see people get things straightened out and figure out where there are problems rather than prosecute them as a criminal,” says Dille.  “I don't like to make anyone a criminal prosecuting them.  If they can get things straightened away make things right, I'm more than happy to work with them.”

Stores and shoppers can both help each other in order to avoid those embarrassing checks.

“As far as the merchants, make sure they do get ID.  That is very important when they're taking a check to get the ID.  As far as persons not bouncing a check, make sure you balance your checkbook.  People write a lot of checks.  Don't be offended if the merchants ask you for ID or your phone number.  They're only trying to make sure that that check doesn't bounce that it doesn't come back to haunt you later.”